Sauble community gathers for Winterfest while tourists are away

About 150 people attended a Sauble Lions pancake breakfast during Winterfest, which opened with a parade and finished with a bonfire; organizers say the event began about 50 years ago and draws residents and returning cottagers.

Winterfest in Sauble brought neighbours together for a weekend of community events while many summer tourists are away. A parade on Friday night opened the festival and ended at the community centre with a bonfire of Christmas trees. The Sauble Lions hosted a pancake breakfast that drew about 150 people and raised money for a local charity to be selected. Organizers said the festival began about 50 years ago and continues to attract residents and returning cottagers. Key points: - About 150 people attended the Sauble Lions pancake breakfast. - Funds raised at the breakfast will go to a local charity that has not yet been selected. - Sauble Lions members helped chaperone the parade that kicked off Winterfest on Friday night. - The parade concluded at the community centre with a bonfire of Christmas trees. - Winterfest began about 50 years ago and is described by organizers as an event by and for the community. - Several newer residents noted more young couples moving to the area and longtime visitors return as cottagers. Summary: The weekend reinforced local ties and highlighted community participation in a longstanding winter tradition. The pancake breakfast raised funds for a charity that organizers have not yet chosen.